Just learned that Acker Bilk has passed away aged 85, after a lengthy illness.

His sound was unique with its deep, fast vibrato (well, almost unique, as Monty Sunshine's sound was very similar) that probably made many a 'fuddy duddy' classical clarinet teacher shudder when a student said that they wanted to reproduce it! He was the first artist to top the UK and US charts simultaneously with his biggest hit, Stranger on the Shore, and. and I can't imagine how we would have sold organs without using that to demo the clarinet voice!

Here's a tribute, for those who haven't heard it before, played on Yamaha S900. What else could it be?

https://app.box.com/shared/5iuvbpt303

Hi Andy,

Yes it's a very sad day for the music world - a great loss

A wonderful arrangement and so beautifully played ... I'm sure the man himself would have had a smile on his face if he could have heard it too ... excellent Andy, well done.

Best regards,

Mike

Hi Andy
Well done, an excellent performance, and a fitting tribute to a great musician.

Georgeandmarj

Hi Andy. Thoroughly enjoyed it a wonderful tribute to a great musician. Well played. John

Hi Andy.

A great tribute to a wonderful musician who will be very much missed

Brian

Yes indeed, RIP Acker.

I learned today on the radio that he not only played Stranger on the Shore but wrote it too, for a BBC series for young people! I remember loving it when it came out. It never paled as so many do.

Ah! 1961. What a good year that was for music as I recall.

John.